A 10-year-old boy has died following reports of a dog attack near Caerphilly in Wales.

Gwent Police said they were called to an address in Pentwyn, Penyrheol, at around 3.55pm on Monday and confirmed the child had died at the scene.

The dog was destroyed by firearms officers and no other animals were involved in the attack, the force said.

Chief Superintendent Mark Hobrough said: “Officers will be making further enquiries at this time and will remain at the scene as the investigation progresses.

“It is possible that you may see ongoing police activity in Caerphilly as part of this work.

“You may have also seen an increased presence earlier today while officers were attending the incident, but please do not be alarmed.

“If you have concerns or information then please do stop and talk with us.”

A nearby resident told the PA news agency: “The dog has been a nuisance on the estate for a bit of a time. I took our son down to the local shop a few days ago, and he was down there then and he was lunging at my son.

“My son is three years old and I had to pick up my son just to move around the dog because of the size on him. He was absolutely huge.

“He wasn’t a pet – he was taking the owner for a walk, you know. He was massive.”

Officers urged anyone with information to call 101, quoting log reference 2100392510.